9 Things to Consider Before Remodeling a Bathroom

The bathroom can be a tricky place for remodeling. If you have a very small bathroom, you may feel limited by what you can do. But even if your bathroom is the smallest room in the house, there are creative ways to fit all the essentials—shower, bath, sink, vanity unit—and enhance the style of your new bathroom!

Here is a list of the things you should keep in mind before beginning any renovation work:

1. Budget

With any home improvement project, the first thing that should be assessed is your budget. If you don’t already know what your budget constraints are, you should create a list of “must-haves” and nice-to-haves” for your bathroom renovation.

Creating a realistic baseline for the project will allow you to not get carried away, and help guide your decision making. Once you’ve figured out what you can realistically spend, you’ll have a clearer sense of your budget for tile, fixtures, and extras.

2. Time

A lot of people assume that if they are remodeling a small bathroom it will only take a few days, or much less time than it would take to remodel a larger bathroom. But, this isn’t always the case.

Depending on the complexity of the remodel, your contractor may have to complete the same process for a small room that they would for a larger bathroom. You should also consider how long it will take to order and purchase materials, so that your contractor has the materials they need at the right time. If you only have one bathroom, you’ll also have to find an alternate bathroom and shower to use throughout the remodeling.

3. Energy-Efficient Products

Going green isn’t only good for the environment, but it could be a positive for you and your family as well.

Green products, such as installing energy efficient faucets and showerheads, or healthier solutions, like painting your old cabinet rather than throwing it out, can greatly reduce the strain on the environment and even save you cash in the long run.

4. First Impressions

What's the first thing you see when you look in the bathroom? If it's a toilet or a shower, you may want to consider changing the bathroom layout.

The first view should be pleasing and inviting, which may mean moving the toilet elsewhere. If you have the space, you can create a separate room for the toilet and shower area, while keeping the sink and vanity in the entryway. This will allow other member of your family to get ready at the mirror while the shower or toilet area is occupied.

5. Plumbing

Most homes use a 1.5-inch pipe for shower drains. With soap products and hair going down the drains every day, you might want to consider a larger drain so it doesn’t clog.

Upgrading to a 2-inch drain is usually minor price difference, but will save you in the end. Also, if you live in a region where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter, it’s important that your water supply lines don’t get routed through an exterior wall.

6. Cabinets and Storage Space

Planning cabinets, shelving and storing solutions can be tricky, especially if you have a small or irregularly shaped bathroom.

Your cabinets and storage space should be functional and accommodate all your stuff while keeping everything easily accessible. It’s also important that your cabinets and storage space fit the overall design and feel of your bathroom.

7. Walls and Flooring

Almost any material can be used to surface walls and floors in the bathroom if it’s waterproof.

8. Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important functions of a well-designed bathroom, and it also creates mood and atmosphere. Make sure that you plan to allow adequate lighting.

First, plan to maximize natural light; and then plan for artificial light.

9. Matching the Home

While every room in your home can have its own personality, ideally you want your interior design to be somewhat continuous throughout the home. Try to create a bathroom plan that uses the same style and color themes that you've used throughout the rest of your home.

No matter how skilled you in the do-it-yourself department, there’s are times when consulting a professional is a smart idea. Remodeling a bathroom can seem overwhelming, but the experts at GNH are waiting to help you plan and execute your bathroom remodel from start to finish, to ensure the perfect end result. Stop in to see our beautiful Latham showroom today for ideas and inspiration!